MacGregorSailors.com

I have just posted two mods on the Mac Mods Page.

Steering upgrade - part 1 and part 2

Part 1 deals with a double cable system for precise motoring;
Part 2 deals with controling rudder alignment for better sailing.
Photos included.
My contribution goes out to all the MacGregor Sailors of this world.
I speak from Greece.

Happy Sailing!

Octaman, I noticed that no one has commented on tour steering mod. I think it's because we're a bit awed by this innovation. In my case i'm fortunate that my rudders appear to measure dead parallel, and with blue water Yachts quick disconnect, I've been happy with the motor connection. You've made me feel that I set my standards too low. I just wanted to say that I've looked over that mod with great admiration, and it is one to file in my future unfinished stuff locker.

I concur with Richard OBrien.

Octaman may have produced the next generation of helm improvements, and my interest is peaked for its capacity to support one of the new internal autopilot upgrades since the Sport Pilots discontinued. It appears the new bezel and steering system may reduce the play in the powersailor wheel and Im watching this upgrade for the helm/auto-pilot with the same attention as the developing weighted DB.

I have been looking at these mods and I am wondering how a compass will work on top of all of the metal and electrical stuff in the pedestal. Should that cause the compass to go hay wire?

Dear friends,

Thank you for your comments.

Richard; I counted seven linkage points on the stock steering system counting the cable connection to the starboard tiller as number one, till the actual linkage to the motor. A little bit of play in every linkage amounts to a lot of play in the end; it is cumulative. I, personally could not live with it. Believe me, it makes a HUGE difference.

They Theirs; I am not sure if it is fortunate or unfortunate that I have already purchased the old Sportpilot Plus and in fact installed it last weekend. I say so, because if I had not been able to buy one (there are not many available anymore) then I would have been forced to consider the new option with the autopilot motor within the console. I cannot say if there is enough room for it or not because I do not know the size of the next generation Raymarine autopilot. Sorry, I cannot help here for now.

Sea Pony; you have a very valid point. And for this reason I use the console compass only to keep a course, not to navigate. What I mean is that I use a high quality handheld compass, outside everything that may affect it, to set my bow on the compass course, then take a reading off the console compass and stick to it. It doesnt matter if there is a degree of deviation between one compass and the other, as long as you set the course with the handheld.
The reason why I put the compass on the console and not on the bulkhead is simply because a) I wanted everything concentrated on the console and b) I dont like opening holes as they are always a serious potential threat to ingress of water. And I like my interior DRY!

Stay tuned for Steering upgrade part 3 . . . . coming up soon!

Happy sailing !

Octaman

Steering upgrade part 3 has just been posted on the Mac Mods Page

Part 3 deals with improving the rudder stock support on the
Photos included.

I am happy to share this mod with all Mac Owners.

Enjoy!

Octaman

I especially like part 3. On my boat that would probably help a lot. Do you have a source for the teflon bushings?

I am sorry I cannot help you with a source in your part of the world; I just wouldn't know.

I can say, however, that all the parts of the bushings, both steel ring and teflon lining are custom made with a lathe at a machine shop.

Furthermore, the welding of the bottom ring to the 'L' - shaped base must be done with 'argon'.

And please excuse my terminology if it is not 100% spot on.

Comment: you may think I am a play freak, but I have to say that my main concern with play is that some play induces more play that eventually leads to a problem. If you eliminate play in the first stages you avoid the problem later.

Happy sailing!